MAAC Project's history of helping

During this time of severe economic crisis, when most nonprofits are struggling to survive, there is one that continues to thrive: MAAC Project.

For nearly 45 years, MAAC has opened its doors to welcome and serve San Diego’s disadvantaged and working-poor families. One million clients later, and with centers strategically located as far south as San Ysidro and as far north as Camp Pendleton, the MAAC Project continues to serve as a catalyst to help individuals and families in need to become self-sufficient. Throughout the years MAAC has expanded its services to meet the ever-changing needs of San Diegans who find themselves in dire need of its services.

In 2008, of the more than 3 million people living in San Diego County, about 850,000, or 29 percent, were living in economic hardship, according to an analysis by the Center on Policy Initiatives. To meet these vast needs, MAAC continues to provide unique programs and services designed to engage them in bettering their own lives. MAAC has created multiple departments in education, employment, health and housing. Some of these programs include Head Start and Early Head Start, the MAAC Community Charter School, Community and Workforce Development, Healthy Homes and Health Services, and Housing and Real Estate Development.

As San Diego’s economy continues to be buffeted by our nation’s financial crisis and California’s budget cuts, those most affected are the ones already struggling to survive: the working poor.

MAAC, as an experienced real estate developer and property manager, is dedicated not just to building communities but to building sustainable, environmentally responsible communities through affordable housing for families and seniors, and its “go green” programs. MAAC recognized decades ago that energy efficiency and sustainable energy were extremely important elements of the organization’s future. Since 1978, the nonprofit has taken important steps to move toward these goals, beginning with its weatherization services for low-income families in San Diego County. The goal of the program is to reduce heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

Solar energy, in particular, has been a MAAC focus. The nonprofit is currently adding solar panels to the rooftops of each of its affordable housing developments and the Community Charter School. The installations reduce the facilities’ carbon footprint and are done in a manner to provide renewable energy job opportunities to low-income communities. Job creation is widely acknowledged as being one of the most significant impacts from the growth of the sustainable energy sector.

When existing or emerging industries grow, it is critical that our most vulnerable residents have equal access to the job opportunities. This is a daily challenge at the MAAC Project.

Job creation is only half of the story. Job training is the other half. In partnership with the National Council of La Raza, MAAC has developed a Green Careers Training Program that targets unemployed residents of Logan Heights and neighboring South Bay neighborhoods, to create a skilled work force in the renewable energy sector. The project combines on-the-job training, employment readiness, job placement and other supportive services. Participants will have the ability to consider careers in three promising green sectors of home energy assessment, sustainable landscaping and residential/commercial retrofit.

MAAC has aided around 1 million underserved individuals since its inception. Credit the long-term vision of its leaders and volunteers. Their ability to anticipate the economic and technological trends of the future is what will ensure its growth and ability to serve many millions more. As a result of this vision, MAAC Project continues to be a community advocate and a champion for the war on poverty, and will remain dedicated to the empowerment of the people of our community and a sustainable future for all.

On Sept. 18, we will honor the 45-year legacy of the organization with the gala, MAAC to the Future: A Legacy in Time, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

Noble is chairman of the California Center for Sustainable Energy and founder and CEO of Envision Solar. Garcia is manager of policy, public and government affairs for Chevron. Both are members of MAAC’s 45th Anniversary Gala Team.